As we head into fall, our community once again faces two respiratory viruses at the same time — COVID-19 and the flu.

These viruses pose significant challenges to maintaining a healthy workforce. By one estimate, 17 million work days are missed every year nationwide because of the flu, resulting in a loss of $7 billion related to sick days and reduced productivity.

Vaccines offer the best protection for your employees against COVID-19 and the flu. Mesa County Public Health makes it convenient to get these vaccines and also offers resources to help alleviate any concerns people in your company might have.

The benefits of vaccines can be a delicate topic to discuss in the workplace. Several strategies can help navigate these difficult conversations. One key strategy is to listen to what employees say. It’s crucial to respect people’s concerns and then provide facts. It’s also important to acknowledge it’s okay for people to raise questions. Remain positive and understanding. Ultimately, you want to create a work environment where people feel safe and supported.

One common concern involves safety. All vaccines have been tested and reviewed. It’s important to point out that even if people have already been infected with a virus like COVID-19 or the flu, it’s still recommended they get vaccinated. The antibodies people develop when they have the virus decrease over time. Vaccines provide higher levels of immunity.

There are also questions about effectiveness, especially since people who are vaccinated can still get infected. No vaccine prevents infection. The level of protection from certain vaccines declines over time. The ultimate goal is to prevent severe illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths.

The Omicron variants of COVID-19 remain the most prevalent strains in Mesa County. Updated boosters provide the most protection. Mesa County Public Health has seen a high demand for the bivalent booster formulated to fight against Omicron variants. Unlike the initial COVID-19 vaccines that targeted one strain of the virus, this booster targets both the original strain and latest Omicron variants. Our vaccine clinic serves 100 to 300 people a day.

Flu season runs from October through May, with peak activity typically from mid-February to late April. Mesa County experienced one of its mildest flu seasons in the 2021-2022 season with 18 hospitalizations. The flu changes every year, though. An updated version of the vaccine is needed to develop immunity to the most recent strain of the virus. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks for the body to develop an immune response.

The clinic for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays at Mesa County Public Health at 510 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Log on to the website at  https://health.mesacounty.us or call 248-6900 to schedule an appointment.

Mesa County Public Health offers flu vaccinations from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Friday. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are preferred to ensure patients don’t have to wait to be seen. Call 248-6906 for an appointment.

Drive-through flu clinics are set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15 and 28 in the parking lot at Mesa County Public Health. Participants should bring IDs and insurance cards. Insurance typically covers flu vaccinations. Other options are available to those who don’t have insurance.

Mesa County Public Health also offers on-site flu vaccine clinics for local businesses. If your company is interested in hosting one, visit https://health.mesacounty.us for a request form. It’s a convenient way to make sure your employees are protected this flu season. 

If your employees have additional questions about vaccines, staff is available to answer questions.

Being willing to have tough conversations in the workplace about vaccinations and ensuring your employees are aware of opportunities to get vaccinated could help lead to a healthier workforce this fall season.